How Much Weight Can I Lose With A Tummy Tuck?

As obesity numbers continue to rise in this country, new treatments and procedures are needed to achieve weight loss. Bariatric surgical procedures or gastric bypass are among a few options to produce permanent weight loss but are limited to helping patients who are extraordinarily overweight or obese. In contrast, a tummy tuck is available to help a broader range of patients wanting to improve the appearance of their midsection. However, when patients are considering abdominoplasty, a common question often asked is, "How much weight can I lose?"

Dr. Nana Mizuguchi is a dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon who provides numerous body contouring options to women and men in the greater Louisville, KY area. Weight loss after a tummy tuck is minimal, leaving patients with the real benefits of a tighter, more fit-looking stomach area. Learn more about abdominoplasty and weight loss below or contact our Louisville, KY office to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Mizuguchi.

What can a tummy tuck procedure help?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. It is a cosmetic procedure to achieve a smoother, flatter abdominal contour when liposuction alone won't achieve a patient's aesthetic goal. In most cases, an incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove loose skin and any fatty deposits (with liposuction). The underlying abdominal muscles are then tightened to create a more toned, tighter-looking appearance. Depending on which tummy tuck method is utilized, the belly button can be repositioned, providing more proportionate and natural-looking results.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Patients considering this body contouring procedure have experienced changes to the body due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or loss of skin elasticity due to age. A tummy tuck can improve a patient's quality of life by removing excess fat and sagging skin. Afterward, patients, typically, love how they look, which gives their self-confidence a boost. Abdominoplasty allows patients to feel more comfortable in their skin and feel better about how they look in their clothes or a bathing suit. Both women and men can struggle with their midsection for various reasons, so when the efforts of diet and exercise have been exhausted, a tummy tuck procedure can help. But, can it lower the number on the scale?

Will I lose weight with a tummy tuck?

The primary goal for a tummy tuck procedure is not about losing weight but providing a lasting improvement to a patient's appearance. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight generally deal with excess tummy skin. It is a surprising fact, but the extra skin does make the number on the scale go up. Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss treatment. However, patients will lose some weight afterward with the removal of excess skin and fat. The amount of weight a patient loses after a tummy tuck will vary, depending on the extent of the procedure. In most cases, patients lose a minimal amount, typically under five pounds. Other patients with more extensive loose skin may lose between 5 – 10 pounds, and, sometimes, even more.

Should I lose weight, then get a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is an excellent body contouring treatment that removes excess fat and skin in the abdominal area. The ideal candidate has these issues due to weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural process of aging. When diet and exercise are not enough, patients struggling with their waistline can turn to this cosmetic procedure. A tummy tuck can help Louisville, KY men and women reach their aesthetic goals and have a flatter, more contoured abdomen. To maintain lasting results, patients should do the following:

• Follow abdominoplasty recovery instructions
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Stay at a consistent weight and avoid fluctuating up and down

Abdominoplasty is not considered a fat reduction procedure, but rather a popular body contouring surgery. As a by-product of removing excess skin and fat, most patients do experience some additional weight loss, but that is not the primary goal with this cosmetic treatment. If you are interested in a tummy tuck procedure or want further information, please contact Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY today.